HANG TIME HEADQUARTERS — Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph could miss the next eight weeks of the season with a slightly torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee, according to The Commercial Appeal.

The report confirms fears that the injury Randolph suffered Sunday in Chicago, when teammate O.J. Mayo inadvertently fell into his leg in a loss to the Bulls, was more serious than initially expected:

The injury will not require surgery and doctors will re-evaluate Randolph in two weeks.

Randolph was believed to only have a bruised MCL. He did not travel with the team for its road game tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He remained in Memphis and is wearing a knee brace.

… Last season, Randolph missed four games after suffering a deep tailbone bruise in the season-opener.

This is obviously a huge blow to a Grizzlies team built around the frontcourt tandem of Randolph and center Marc Gasol, the catalysts for the Grizzlies surprise run to the Western Conference semifinals last season.

The Grizzlies are already working on a contingency plan for the meantime, having agreed in principle to the terms of a three-team deal with the Hornets and 76ers that will bring 76ers center Marreese Speights to the Grizzlies, per Marc Stein of ESPN.com. The deal, on course to be completed later Wednesday according to Stein, would also send Grizzlies swingman Xavier Henry to the Hornets and two second-round picks to Philadelphia.

ZBo was the Grizzlies Go-to guy. He was definitely a top 20 player in this league, so thats a big hit. Rudy gay needs to step up and have some dominating games, or else this team will go no where. 2 months means a lot in this small schedule.

Spurs-Manu gone for a month and a half
Grizzlies-Z-bo gone for two months
Suns-Nash getting older with no help
Lakers losing Odom & Phil
Mavs losing tyson, odom not fitting in
Warriors- under sized back court
Rockets- no superstar on the team
Jazz- no more Deron Williams
OKC are the only hope

Wow you guys are unbelievable. The man is seriously injured and all you people have to say are selfish remarks. Your fantasy team took a hit, “that’s what he gets”. What is wrong with you guys. You should never wish harm on another person niko, even if he beat your favorite team in the playoffs, and to the other two idiots, it’s fantasy sports guys who cares. You three need to grow up.

Really bad news, hope Z-Bo returns sooner than expected. Gotta love that Memphis team with Gay back, those three can make a serious impact this year, specially after the improving from Gasol & Randolph last season. Get well soon!